Susan Pierce was selected one of the 2015 Women Leaders in Law by Fortune Magazine. In addition, Pierce was chosen a Top Rated Lawyer for the Washington, D.C. area in December 2015 by The Wall Street Journal. She was named a Virginia Super Lawyer 2015. A graduate of Mary Washington College and George Mason University Law School, Pierce has more than 25 years of legal experience. Her practice areas include Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, Medical and Nursing Home Negligence, and General Litigation.

Robert deT. Lawrence, IV was named a 2015 Top Lawyer in Estate Planning/Trusts & Wills by Northern Virginia Magazine. A graduate of the University of Virginia and the University of Georgia’s School of Law, he brings more than 45 years of legal expertise to his clients. His practice areas include Probate, Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning & Administration, Real Estate Settlements, and Title Problems.

Julia S. Savage and Catherine M. Bowers were named 2015 Top Lawyers in Family Law by Northern Virginia Magazine. In addition, Savage has been chosen a D.C. Metropolitan Area Top Divorce Lawyer by Washingtonian Magazine from 2009 through the present and a Virginia Super Lawyer 2015. Savage has more than 30 years of legal experience. She graduated from Saint Bonaventure and New England School of Law. Her practice areas include Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody, Property Division, Wills, and Trusts. Bowers received the 2015 Client Distinction Award from Martindale-Hubble. A graduate of the University of Virginia and George Washington University School of Law, Bowers has more than 20 years of legal expertise. Her practice areas include Family Law, Divorce, Child Advocacy, Child Custody and Visitation, Child Support, Adoption, International Child Abduction, and Equine Law. She is a court-appointed Guardian ad Litem for Children.

Powell Lawson Duggan and Mark F. Hyson were chosen 2015 Top Lawyers in Real Estate Law by Northern Virginia Magazine. Duggan brings more than 30 years of legal experience to his clients. He graduated from George Mason University and Washington & Lee University Law School. He focuses his practice on Real Estate Law, Civil & Commercial Litigation, Business Law, and Creditors’ Rights. A graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University and Pennsylvania State University School of Law, Hyson has more than ten years of legal expertise. His practice areas include Real Estate Law, Business Law, Estate Planning, Conservation Easements, and Real Property.

For more information about Walker Jones, please contact Lora Goff, Office Administrator, at 540.347.9223 or loragoff@walkerjoneslaw.com .

The post Walker Jones Receives National and Regional Awards appeared first on Greater Warrenton Chamber of Commerce.

In 2015, we were excited to make our first grants to local non-profits. In total, we granted over $550,000 to more than 40 projects. In 2016, we anticipate these funds to exceed $2.5 million, for projects both small and large. This video shares a bit of information about our new name and projects we have supported. Built on the support of the community, and created by the joint venture of Fauquier Health with LifePoint Health, the PATH Foundation has an endowment of $200 million to serve our area for generations to come.

Visit our new website at www.pathforyou.org for more information.

The post A New Year… A New Name: PATH Foundation appeared first on Greater Warrenton Chamber of Commerce.

The grant programs are administered by the Fauquier County Department of Economic Development and funded by the Economic Development Authority. The purpose of these grant programs is to assist local businesses in developments and improvements which contribute to growth in business revenues.

Technology Development Matching Grant

Assists county for-profit businesses in technology development and enhancement, which will improve efficiency of operations and/or expand business operations in a way that contributes to growth in business revenues.  Eligible activities include, but are not limited to Website Development, e-Commerce Solutions, Database Development, and other e-commerce innovations as approved.  For more info:  laura.torpy@fauquiercounty.gov

Tourism Development Matching Grant

Assists local tourism businesses in developments and improvements which contribute to growth in tourism business revenues.  Eligible activities include, but are not limited to website development, marketing, and other initiatives as approved.

Both programs offer grants up to $2,000 with a 1:1 match required. The deadline for submission of grant applications is EOB on Monday, February 29, 2016. Applications can be downloaded at: www.FauquierBusiness.com (under FCDED News)

For further information or clarification on the programs, contact the Fauquier County Department of Economic Development at www.fauquierbusiness.com or (540) 422-8270.

Download the Grant Guidelines below:
FCDED_Tourism Grant Guidelines AND Application_2016

The post Fauquier County Matching Grant Programs Currently Accepting Applications appeared first on Greater Warrenton Chamber of Commerce.

The post Dragonfly Native American Jewelry – Special Honor appeared first on Greater Warrenton Chamber of Commerce.

EDUCATION EVENTS TEAM 2015:

Michelle Coe –  Blue Sky Phoenix, LLC
Jennifer Goldman –  Resonance, LLC
Diane Markva – Fauquier Hearing Services

All of last year’s great education programs were organized by these three hard workers. Be sure to thank them!

LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE:

Bob Rust – White Horse Auto Wash

When the town’s water rate hike hit the table, Bob was quick to get involved, and was a tremendous help in the Chamber’s efforts to seek a fair handling of the situation.

Volunteer Opportunities:

There are many more people who deserve recognition as well, which is why we’ll be doing this monthly moving forward.  And there are PLENTY of opportunities to volunteer!  Below are some of our committees who need help right now.

• Business Assistance Team – (Industry experts assist businesses who need help)
• Car Show Committee – (Plans and organizes our Father’s Day Car Show)
• Education Events Team – (Schedules and organizes our educational programs)
• Events Committee – (Schedules and organizes our signature events)
• Legislative Committee – (Gets involved in local government to represent the business community)
• Marketing Committee – (Produces / manages our blog, social media, print materials, E-Blasts, Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine features, and more)
• Membership Committee – (Works to improve member experience and grow the membership)

If you’re interested in helping out the chamber with one of its committees, please contact us at info@warrentonchamber.org, and let us know what you have in mind!  We’d love to have you involved!

The post Volunteer of the Month – January 2016 appeared first on Greater Warrenton Chamber of Commerce.

Fauquier Enterprise Center – Vint Hill
4137 Weeks Drive
Warrenton, VA 20187

First impressions matter – how are YOU doing with your emails? This seminar will help you avoid common mistakes and maximize your emails for powerful impact! You’ll learn:

· Branding beyond the logo – how placement, pictures, even colors can re-inforce recognition & engagement

· Readability – including fonts, white space and single-column design

· Images – including sizing, placement, links and more

· Sharability – are you going social with your email? Easy tips to encourage more cross-platform engagement

Join us for this fast, info-packed seminar packed with tips, techniques and tools to help you navigate the dos and the don’ts for your own email marketing!

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April Keating, a military spouse entrepreneur and mom of two young boys, is the owner & founder of Cre8ve Content Co. This is an engagement marketing firm that believes in the power of relationships. We are in an exciting age! Technology allows us to create and continue conversations in a way we weren’t able to just a few years ago. April at Cre8ve Content Co. takes the time to talk with small business owners, understand their goals, and then works with them one-on-one to create a straightforward marketing strategy that aligns with their unique vision. Cre8ve clients appreciate focused effort to increase their social and email engagement, resulting in raving fans and rising sales.

April is an expert with Constant Contact products and holds a Master Certification as a Solution Partner. She also is a member of the Washington, DC metro area Constant Contact Authorized Local Experts team.

April is also the co-founder of the Milimompreneer Meetup group, a volunteer with the Military Spouse Business Association, and a member of the Prince William (Virginia) Chamber of Commerce.

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REGISTER NOW   $10 for GWCC Members  |  $15 for Non-Members

The post Email Marketing Seminar – Tuesday 8:30am appeared first on Greater Warrenton Chamber of Commerce.

Your Greater Warrenton Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee is committed to representing the business community at the Town of Warrenton town council meetings.  We invite you to participate both in the committee and as an individual by attending Town Council work sessions and meetings regularly.

Please mark your calendars:
Council Work Sessions: First Thursdays, 7pm
(1/7, 2/4, 3/3, 4/7, 5/5, 6/2, 7/7, 8/4, 9/1, 10/6, 11/3, 12/1)

Town Council Meetings: Second Tuesdays, 7pm
(1/12, 2/9, 3/8, 4/12, 5/10, 6/14, 7/12, 8/9, 9/13, 10/11, 11/8, 12/13)

Both meetings take place in the Council Chambers located at 18 Court Street, Warrenton, VA 20186

A link to the Town Council meeting and work session agendas:
http://www.warrentonva.gov/Government/TownCouncil/MeetingsAgendas.aspx

January 7^th Topic of Interest:  Business Incentives!!

Town of Warrenton Economic Development Manager, Heather Stinson, will be presenting the proposed business incentive programs to Town Council.  The incentives are the first step in developing a suite of incentive programs to attract, retain and grow businesses within the Town of Warrenton with a focus on Tourism, Technology and Defense and the impact those industries can have on our local economy.  The incentives will target new investment and jobs to both new and existing businesses.  Heather is very open to discussing the programs with our members and welcomes phone calls and/or emails with any questions, concerns and feedback prior to the council work session on Thursday.  She can be reached at 540-422-8270 or hstinson@warrentonva.gov.

How does the process work?  The council will have the opportunity to preview and discuss the incentive programs with Ms. Stinson Thursday night during the work session (while open to the public to attend, it is not necessarily the forum for public feedback, however Ms. Stinson can cover any questions, concerns, feedback provided to her prior to the meeting (see above) during her time.  There will be Public Hearing on the proposed business incentives at the Town Council meeting on Tuesday, January 12^th.  This is the time for open discussion, questions for council to consider, etc.  Please plan to limit your discussion to less than five minutes.  Council will likely close the hearing and vote on the question to adopt the proposed incentives that evening – or it may be delayed for further discussion and discovery if necessary.

If you would like to contact your Ward’s council representative regarding this, or other topics, here is a link to their contact information: http://www.warrentonva.gov/Government/TownCouncil/TownCouncilAppointedOfficials.aspx

If you are interested in serving on the legislative committee, we would love to have your help!  Please contact Amelia Stansell at 540-878-2810 or astansell@middleburgbank.com.

[dt_sc_button link=”http://www.warrentonchamber.org/wp-content/uploads/Proposed-Business-Incentive-Zones.pdf” size=”large” variation=”” target=”_blank”]VIEW PROPOSED PROGRAMS[/dt_sc_button]

View Proposed Programs

Best regards,
The GWCC Legislative Committee

The post Proposed Business Incentives in the Town of Warrenton appeared first on Greater Warrenton Chamber of Commerce.

Second Prize of $ 300 went to Dylan Beato.

Third Place was shared by Daniel Hinchcliff and the team of Pedro Gomide and Luis Sotelo.

Andy Blackmore won $ 50 for honorable mention.

The subject of this design project was the Warrenton Towne Centre located in the 500 and 600 block of Frost Avenue – often called “the Food Lion Center” by locals.

The School of Architecture and Planning at The Catholic University of America is dedicated to the professional education of those who will plan, design, build, and conserve the built environment. Utilizing its remarkable location in the nation’s capital but also other international cities as learning laboratories, the school provides an enriching educational climate in which students investigate the realms of planning, design, theory, building, and sustainability within the context of the world in which we live.

Below is one of the drawings and data submitted by the first place winners (additional illustrations are available upon request).

Click on images to enlarge.

The post Warrenton Shopping Center the Subject of a Design Competition at Catholic University appeared first on Greater Warrenton Chamber of Commerce.

THIS TUESDAY

Town Council Meeting @ Town Hall

18 Court Street
Warrenton, VA 20186

On Tuesday, September 8, the Town Council will hold a public hearing and vote on proposed increases to water and sewer rates. The average residential bill will increase by 37%, the average commercial bill (restaurant, hotel, etc.,) will increase by 90%. The new rates would go into effect October 1.

Rate increases are undoubtedly necessary (they have not been raised in nearly 20 years and do not even cover operating costs). However, we believe the business community may take issue with the timing of the increases, lack of notice, and the proportional increase for business versus that of residential.

Your participation in this hearing could help dictate a different course of action that would reduce the negative impact to our local businesses. The recommendation being made is to develop an implementation plan, which could include:

• Advance notice to allow all customers time to prepare for the increase (e.g. effective date of January 1, 2016 rather than October 1, 2015).
• Outreach to residents and businesses to ensure customers are aware of the change (i.e. notices in bills, paper advertisements, etc.).
• Develop assistance programs for customers in hardship (i.e. budget plans, grants for needy families, and emergency assistance).
• Phasing options for the increases (e.g.½ the increase effective January 1, 2016, and the full new rate July 1, 2016)

Effected businesses can express their opinions and concerns at this public hearing.

They can also contact council members directly (contact info available HERE).

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[dt_sc_button link=”http://www.warrentonchamber.org/wp-content/uploads/Warrenton-Water-and-Sewer-Rate-Study-Report-Final.pdf” size=”large” variation=”” target=”_blank”]SEE FULL STUDY REPORT[/dt_sc_button]

The post URGENT NOTIFICATION: Public Hearing on Town Water & Sewer Rates appeared first on Greater Warrenton Chamber of Commerce.

The Long Ride Home Arrives in Warrenton, VA
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
2:00 p.m. – Media Availability – Holiday Inn Express Conference Room, 410 Holiday Ct, Warrenton, VA 20186
3:00 p.m. – Last Leg of the Long Ride Home, down Main Street, Warrenton, VA

Many weeks ago, on Memorial Day, 2015, and thousands of miles ago, mom and daughter team Laurie Enright and Molly Michael set out on a 10,000+ mile cross-country motorcycle ride from Tempe, AZ, to Warrenton, VA, to raise awareness and funds for injured U.S. veterans. Laurie is a combat veteran who recently retired from the Air National Guard after 29 years of service.

The 10,000 mile ride benefits Boulder Crest Retreat for Military and Veteran Wellness in Bluemont, Virginia, a rural sanctuary that provides free accommodations, recreational and therapeutic activities/programs to help U.S. military and veteran personnel (and their families) recover and reconnect during their long journey of healing from physical and invisible wounds of war. The retreat is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is entirely funded through private donations from individuals, foundations and corporations.

United States Senator John McCain said, “I applaud Laurie and Molly’s efforts to help our wounded heroes recover from their wounds.”

“Fourteen years of combat has put many veterans in some very low places. We’ve had a lot of warriors come here saying it’s their last chance. I don’t believe that – whether it’s the first place they come, or the last, I am confident we can provide positive change in their lives,” says Ken Falke, Co-Founder of Boulder Crest Retreat and Navy veteran.

The Long Ride Home metaphorically reflects the long and often painful journeys veterans face from deployment, reintegration, physical and mental therapies, and challenges readapting to civilian life. “More than 30% of our veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. Over 52,000 have been wounded in action,” said Laurie Enright. “We are losing 22 veterans a day to suicide. These men and women and their families are a national treasure – they need and deserve our help.”

The goal is to raise $292,000 for Boulder Crest Retreat for Military and Veteran Wellness. Contributions to the non-profit will cover the expenses to operate four cabin facilities for military and veteran families for an entire year. To date, the mom and daughter team has raised over $30,000 for the retreat. The Medal of Honor sponsor is Veterans Services Management.

The 10,000 mile route wound through the United States, including Alaska, and portions of Canada, numerous U.S. Veterans hospitals and centers, sixteen National Parks, military and public safety memorials, finally concluding in Warrenton, Virginia. Over 400 flags have been donated to display along Main Street in honor of U.S. Military Veterans, and the ride will culminate at Molly’s Irish Pub in Warrenton at 3:10 pm via Warrenton Town Police escorts.
Donations, route, blog, photos, sponsorships:
http://www.thelongridehome.org/
https://www.facebook.com/TheLongRideHome

The post THE LONG RIDE HOME – Healing Heroes One Mile at a Time appeared first on Greater Warrenton Chamber of Commerce.

Early bird $30 per person, day of event $35 per person for wine tasting.
$20 to participate in a qualifying putting contest with 3 golf balls, with the opportunity to win $10,000 in the final. Contest sponsored by GWCC.

Contact Chelsea Barb to pre-purchase / register for tastings (contact information below).

Golf putt contest entries sold on site.

Download Flier

The post GWCC Golf Putt Contest at Vintage Piedmont Wine Festival 2015 appeared first on Greater Warrenton Chamber of Commerce.

8:30am – 10:00am | Stoneridge Events Center | $10 GWCC Members, $15 Non-Members

Lois Pfeiffer, Owner and CEO of The NorthStar Group, LLC, will share tools business owners can use to get clear on their direction and the tactics they can use to drive their businesses forward.

Are you running your business or is your business running you? To have a successful business requires focus and discipline on more than just managing limited resources of people and money. It requires clarity on your mission and vision, and alignment with your goals and actions to stay on course.

During this seminar, we will discuss essential questions that you must ask yourself about your business which will challenge your thinking, the way you work and help you lead yourself and your organization to the next level.

Lois Pfeiffer is an executive coach and organizational development consultant focused on helping individuals, teams and organizations develop the leadership qualities they need to perform with greater skill, purpose and resilience, resulting in sustainable personal, professional and organizational success.

Lois has more than 25 years of corporate leadership experience where she successfully served in internal senior roles and external consulting roles with leading government contractors. She has applied her expertise in business operations, business and organizational development, strategic planning, change management and team facilitation to improve organizational and operational efficiencies within a wide variety of government and industry organizations. In addition, she is a certified coach with a decade of professional experience coaching leaders and executives, as well as peer coaching at staff levels, to improve individual and team effectiveness.

Lois holds a BBA in Management from Dowling College and an MS in Organizational Leadership and Innovation from Marymount University. She is an ICF-certified coach and earned the designations of Certified Professional Co-Active (CPCC) from the Coaches Training Institute and Certified Master Somatic Coach (MSC) from the Strozzi Institute.

Learn more at http://www.the-northstar-group.com.

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Contact Michelle Coe with questions about this event.

We are seeking cash and door sponsors for this event. Please contact Diane Markva if you are interested in sponsoring this event with cash and door prizes, or need more information about sponsoring.

Special thanks to our venue and refreshement sponsors:

The post July 14 – Seminar: Drive Your Business Results appeared first on Greater Warrenton Chamber of Commerce.